Anorexia nervosa: People with this condition don’t
eat enough and they may have an extremely thin appearance.

Bulimia nervosa: People with this condition
overeat, and then purge to avoid gaining weight. They may also abuse laxatives
and diet pills.

Binge eating: People with this condition eat
uncontrollably, but they don't purge.

EDNOS: This term refers to “eating
disorders not otherwise specified”. According to the ANAD, 52 percent of people with an
eating disorder have EDNOS.

The exact
cause of eating disorders is unknown, but several factors can contribute to the
disease. Eating disorders may begin in the teen and young adult years when many
people are preoccupied with their self-image. This illness can run in families.
Some emotional disorders, like obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression,
increase the risk for an eating disorder.

Because eating
disorders can have serious, life-threatening complications, it’s important to
get help for these conditions. But before a doctor can treat anorexia, bulimia,
or binge eating, they have to diagnose the condition.

Some people
may deny a problem, but certain signs can indicate a problem with food.

Doctors use
physical evaluations and psychological evaluations to diagnose eating disorders.
They’ll also make sure you meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder
as outlined in the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American
Psychiatric Association (APA).

Physical Evaluations

Physical Exam

During a
physical exam, your doctor may check your height, weight, and vital signs.
Since eating disorders can cause high or low blood pressure, slow breathing,
and slow pulse rates, doctors also listen to lungs and heart.

An examination
of your abdomen may take place. Additionally, your doctor may check your skin
and hair for dryness, or look for brittle nails. Doctors may ask about any
other possible problems, like a sore throat or intestinal issues, which can be
complications of bulimia.

Laboratory Tests

Since eating
disorders damage the body and cause problems with vital organs, doctors may run
many laboratory tests. These can include a complete blood count, a liver,
kidney and thyroid function tests, and a urinalysis.

Your doctor
may also order an X-ray to look for broken bones, which can be a sign of bone
loss from anorexia or bulimia. An electrocardiogram can check for heart
irregularities. Your doctor may examine your teeth for signs of decay, which is
another symptom of an eating disorder.

Psychological Evaluations

Doctors don’t
diagnose eating disorders based entirely on a physical exam. A psychological
evaluation by a mental health doctor is also required.

Your doctor
will ask several questions related to your eating habits. Their goal is to understand
your attitude toward food and eating, plus get an idea of how you perceive your
body. These questions can become personal, especially when the discussions
focus on your dieting, binging, purging, or extreme exercise habits. It's
important to answer honestly. This way, your doctor can make an accurate
diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment plan.

Review Diagnostic Criteria for Eating Disorders

To be
diagnosed with an eating disorder, you must meet the criteria for a specific
type of disorder. Signs and symptoms of eating disorders vary, but may include:

Anorexia Nervosa

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

thin
appearance

insomnia

extreme
tiredness

dizziness
or fainting spells

bluish
nails

brittle
hair and nails

constipation

dry
skin

irregular
heart rhythm

Bulimia Nervosa

Symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

fear
of gaining weight

extreme
use of weight loss supplements

forced
vomiting

extreme
exercising

regularly
using laxatives, diuretics, or enemas

Binge Eating

Symptoms of binge eating include:

eating
unusual large portions of food

eating
until uncomfortably full

insists
on eating alone to hide disorder

constantly
dieting, but not losing weight

depression and anxiety

Conclusions

In the United
States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from eating disorders,
including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder at some
point in their life, according to the National
Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). It's a serious illness that can lead to
life-threatening complications like organ failure and death. But with a timely
diagnosis, you can receive necessary treatment and live a long, healthy life.